Messages

7001

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Windows Update ERROR: 8024401A

« on: March 02, 2016, 02:45:37 pm »

I assume you have done a search for the KB in Installed Updates by entering KB3031432 into the top right search box ?

Run Disk Cleanup as an administrator by going Start - type disk cleanup - right click on Disk Cleanup and select Run as administrator.

This will clean out obsolete Windows Updates and then try the direct download again.

7002

General Computer Support / Re: Laptop gets stuck at Starting Windows sign (Win7)

« on: March 02, 2016, 02:38:31 pm »

You should have more options than that - what happens when you launch startup repair ?

If you can get access to another Win 7 machine of the same architecture as yours - i.e. 32 or 64 bit then you can create a system repair disk and boot up with that which will get you to the WRE.

You can also use an install disk to boot up with, but that would be slightly different in that you would eventually be presented with a splash screen where you would select Repair your Computer.

You would tap F12 as you switch on, select CD/DVD or ODD, insert the disk and press enter.

Press any key to boot from CD/DVD when prompted and you may be presented with an inverse window with Windows Setup [EMS Enabled] highlighted - just press enter.

Change/confirm the language for keyboard input method - Next - and then it should look for your OS location to repair - Next

You should then be in the WRE with the options of -

Startup Repair

System Restore

System Image Recovery - where you would use a system image created on external media.

Windows Memory Diagnostic

Command Prompt

HDD Recovery - which is a factory reset, but that option may differ with Dell.

7003

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 02, 2016, 02:01:39 pm »

When you have done a sfc /scannow you can get a clearer CBS log with the following cmd -

findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log >"%userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt

This will produce an icon on the desktop which will open in Notepad when double clicked and will show what it could and couldn't repair.

However, running SFCFix.exe will produce a more concise report which you can only run after running a sfc /scannow because it requires the CBS log to work on.

https://www.sysnative.com/niemiro/apps/SFCFix.exe

Depending upon what that reports, then I would seriously consider restoring with that old system image after doing the prep work so as not to lose any recent data.

7004

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Windows Update ERROR: 8024401A

« on: March 02, 2016, 09:46:13 am »

Have you tried the direct download https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=45683

7005

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 02, 2016, 09:43:25 am »

See what that antimalware forum finds on your computer, but infections don't usually cause intermittent problems.

Event Viewer may have timed stamped errors for when you experience the slow which you could check for.

7006

General Computer Support / Re: Laptop gets stuck at Starting Windows sign (Win7)

« on: March 02, 2016, 09:38:43 am »

Boot up into the advanced boot options usually by tapping F8 as you switch on, but this key can vary with computer models and select Last Known Good Configuration and press enter.

If that doesn't do it then boot back up into the advanced boot options and select Repair your Computer and navigate to the Windows Recovery Environment (WRE) and select Startup Repair.

If this at first reports that it is unable to auto repair, then run it up to two more times.

If that still fails on the restart then again in the WRE select Command Prompt and enter -

bcdedit |find "osdevice"

chksdk x: /f

Where x is the partition letter it finds the OS on, as it may not always be C.

For clarity, that is a Pipe symbol before find and is the upper case of \

When you run a chkdsk /f from the x: prompt, a reboot isn't required and it will give its report in the window - disregard error 50.

Enter exit to close the command window when done and restart then let us know what it reported, especially in relation to any KBs in bad sectors.

7007

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Chkdsk freezes at 12%

« on: March 02, 2016, 09:20:17 am »

Have you viewed the chkdsk log in Event Viewer to see what it found/repaired ?

7008

General Computer Support / Re: Error 43

« on: March 02, 2016, 09:00:54 am »

I'd go straight to the horse's mouth and contact WD direct using the link from my last post.

Re, the partitions - I have two Toshiba Win 7 laptops - the older one has a 250GB HDD and the newer one a 640GB HDD.

Toshiba in their wisdom split these down the middle with C: in one partition and stick 8 or 9GB in the other and that is the Recovery partition - which I think is a waste.

Anyway, on principle rather than need I decided to remove the Recovery partition and merge that with C:

I did this by booting up with a Win 7 install disk and used the Custom install option.

When I was asked which partition I wanted to install it in, I deleted the Recovery partition, merged it then cancelled the install so it now looks like my attachment.

Because it has Win 7 installed, it will always have the small partition - is this what yours has ?

7009

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 02, 2016, 05:20:19 am »

Probably best to get your computer sorted out first before taking on another project, but I agree, your friend's computer is in need of some maintenance - talking of which, Windows has a Maintenance and Performance check in Control Panel/System and Security/Find and fix problems and clicking on each then on Advanced and Run as administrator may find something to clean up on yours.

7010

General Computer Support / Re: Error 43

« on: March 02, 2016, 05:11:41 am »

I believe EaseUS is a popular program for managing partitions, although I have no experience of it.

http://www.partition-tool.com/

It may be worth contacting WD as this problem may have been reported to them before - I seem to remember others having complaints about WD HDDs but can't recall now what they were.

http://support.wdc.com/contact.aspx

7011

General Computer Support / Re: how to avoid the blacklist ip of the service provider in one's logging session

« on: March 02, 2016, 03:36:11 am »

I still think that you should give your ISP an earful to sort this out.

7012

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 02, 2016, 03:29:41 am »

I create a system image after the monthly updates, but first do a chkdsk /f, an antimalware scan and defrag if required, but while you should have created more regular images, it may be worth restoring with that image, although there will be quite a few Windows Updates to reinstall and you would lose any personal stuff that you have added since - although you could back that up separately onto something like a flash drive.

For an in depth scan I usually use the ESET Free Online Scanner, but an antimalware forum would be a good place to go although I don't think an infection would be as intermittent as you are experiencing.

You are right in that if an infection or system corruption is suspect then you shouldn't image that.

BTW - How much does your friend have under the Startup tab in msconfig and is that usage in a quiescent state without multiple tabs open ?

Is your IE still working okay ?

I can't remember if you have downloaded the free version of HWMonitor to check the temps when your computer slows, but they are something worth checking.

7013

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 02, 2016, 12:20:44 am »

Shane says that you are okay to run WR.

7014

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 01, 2016, 03:47:22 pm »

Yes, if it no longer slows then you can leave things as they are.

However, the normal MBAM if the free version isn't an active scanner so there is no need for it to run in the background when you boot up and having its service disabled will have no effect on it when you boot it up.

I also have all items under the Startup tab in msconfig disabled as well as some non-MS services under the Services tab.

My AV program - Norton Security sits under the Services tab, although some AVs can be listed under the Startup tab and may not reinstate themselves after being unchecked and the Apply button clicked.

Strangely enough, when I used CCleaner to check my registry there was also quite a lot of Silverlight entries which I had it delete after creating the back up it offered.

EDIT - Just seen your recent post - I noticed from your last TM pic that the memory usage was still on the high side, but if that didn't affect anything then that could be left.

Normally when a machine becomes slow the longer you use it, that can sometimes point to an overheating problem but something is eating up the memory.

What did Shane say last time about running WR with your Dynamic disks.

I tend to distrust restore points when it comes to running a major program like WR and would create a full system image, which includes the Recovery partition where there is one, onto external media before I would run the program.

Doing that pulled me out of the mire when I tried Uniblue's Power Suite in my naivety, which is a tune up program and which damaged files beyond repair - but on a couple of occasions when I've used my restore points, the laptop has froze and the only way to do anything with it was to power shut it down.

This results in just a black screen with a big white cursor arrow and the only way out of that with an OEM machine is to factory reset with the Recovery disks which some vendors allow you to make.

As another precaution, it's best to go into the Setup (BIOS) and change the boot order to permanently check the disk drive and USB if applicable before it checks the HDD for an OS to boot up.

7015

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Tweaking.com windows repair appeared on my PC without me putting it there

« on: March 01, 2016, 03:14:20 pm »

No help at all really, but it does help sometimes to have a "sounding board" if just to jog the memory

You can add [SOLVED] to your thread title by going to your first post, click on Modify and add that to the title.

7016

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Tweaking.com windows repair appeared on my PC without me putting it there

« on: March 01, 2016, 09:48:29 am »

It has been known for MS techs to use the program when they are stuck, which says a lot for the program and very little for the MS techs

7017

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Tweaking.com windows repair appeared on my PC without me putting it there

« on: March 01, 2016, 09:23:50 am »

I'm as baffled as you as to how it got onto your computer.

I can't see how it could have been spoofed if that is the word, but if you have any doubts then uninstall it using a 3rd party uninstaller program.

7018

General Computer Support / Re: Error 43

« on: March 01, 2016, 09:01:16 am »

It would still be nice to get the Lenovo working though

Are you going to contact Lenovo ?

Missed the bit about it being bought through Amazon UK.

Here is the link for Lenovo Support UK - http://www.lenovo.com/contact/uk/en/

7019

General Computer Support / Re: Error 43

« on: March 01, 2016, 08:09:57 am »

I think you would only need the model and serial numbers when you use the Technical Support section in http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/landingpage/contact/

This is for the US site but if you are in a different location, then a Google for Lenovo laptop support should give you links for your location.

I have two Toshiba laptops and during the initial set up there is a section to register the machine - not sure if you had to do that with your machine, but if the tech asks for date of purchase, then you will just have to explain the circumstances.

BTW - A belated Happy 80th Birthday

7020

Tweaking.com Support & Help / Re: Tweaking.com windows repair appeared on my PC without me putting it there

« on: March 01, 2016, 07:54:59 am »

As far as I know, Shane doesn't have it bundled and it has to be physically downloaded/installed, but it should appear in Programs and Features as it does in mine.

You haven't said which version of Windows you are using, but in Win 7 - Start - All Programs is there a folder named Tweaking.com that you can expand to see if it's in there.

If it is, right click on it and select Properties and it will give its install date and if your restore points go back that far, then use one to before that date, but Scan for affected programs first so you will know if you have to reinstall anything afterwards.

7021

General Computer Support / Re: Desktop pc suddenly slow

« on: March 01, 2016, 07:26:15 am »

I noticed that GWX.exe is using a lot more memory than it was in your earlier pic of TM so it must be set to trigger at certain times, although you haven't experienced any slow because of it.

Because I don't want Win 10 installed again, I went into the registry, did a search for GWX - exported it so it was backed up and then deleted its entry in the registry.

While I don't have MBAME, I do have the free version of MBAM and I have its service stopped as there is no reason for it to be running in the background.

I don't know if you would have two service entries for MBAM in services and if stopping one would interfere with the other, but they are highish users.

To check, go Start - type services.msc and press enter then scroll down to the MBAM entries - one may be listed as MBAME but clicking on their names will give details of their purpose.

I believe MBAME needs to be active, so leave that one alone.

To disable, right click on the name and select Properties then use the dropdown to change its status to Disabled - Apply - OK - File - Exit

While I don't normally advocate the use of a registry cleaner, the free version of CCleaner is safe enough to use and I occasionally check my registry with it and if there are quite a lot of entries, then I'll have a clean out just for tidiness.

If you want to give that a run then uncheck the box for ActiveX and Class Issues first so they won't be in the list.

7022

General Computer Support / Re: Internet Explorer 11 issue

« on: March 01, 2016, 07:03:03 am »

MS has a Fixit for install/uninstall problems - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/mats/program_install_and_uninstall

You could opt for the default recommended which may also resolve the Office updates (?) but click on the lower Detect problems and let me select the fixes option then click on Installing and from there you can select Java to see if that can fix it.

Sometimes unregistering and re-registering Windows Installer can help with the cmds -

msiexec /unreg

msiexec /regserver

Personally I'd be tempted to factory reset, but you may have to contact MS to have Office reactivated, or check with them first to see if they will before the factory reset.

7023

General Computer Support / Re: Error 43

« on: March 01, 2016, 06:36:28 am »

Because Windows does not recognise the external drives which results in code error 43 and Device Manager shows an exclamation mark against the appropriate USB Hub link nothing can be seen in Disk Management area. At 3.00 am today I connected one of the hard drives to my wife's W7 computer and copied across to her 2 TB external drive the contents Videos) then went to bed. I was up at 8.00 am and checked that all the files had copied across ok. My external drive showed up as drive F and drive H. Drive F is actually Drive C when it was in the now defunct Acer tower. Later today I am going to format that drive and use it as an external backup drive for the laptop. Of course this will only be feasible if the error 43 problem gets resolved.

Running the MS Fixit seemed to get rid of the alert in Device Manager - can you run that again then see if they are listed in diskmgmt.msc

If they are and you can assign them drive letters, see if the fix in that article will work for you.

I would just work with one HDD at a time.

While I'm not that deep into the hardware side of things, I would have thought that having two enclosures plugged in at the same time would have used more than one USB Hub, yet only one is showing an alert.

Failing that and given that S_G has the same problem with another Lenovo, I would suggest you raise this with Lenovo as the machine I assume, is still under warranty.

7024

General Computer Support / Re: Error 43

« on: March 01, 2016, 06:27:03 am »

Boggin - thanks for that link to http://woshub.com/windows-doesnt-assign-letters-to-external-and-usb-flash-drives/ - that looks very helpful. Never found that in my previous searches. I'll wait until after I've done my next backup and then give it a whirl.

Let us know if it resolves.

7025

General Computer Support / Re: Internet Explorer 11 issue

« on: March 01, 2016, 12:46:31 am »

The Java thing seems strange.

Sometimes instead of selecting Run, Save the download then right click on the .exe and run it as an administrator can work.

You could also try its install in Safe Mode with Networking should your antivirus program be in the mix.

As for the rest, what does a sfc /scannow report ?